A new report details why Fred Savage was fired from The Wonder Years reboot. Developed by Saladin K. Patterson, The Wonder Years is a reimagining of the original Wonder Years series, which aired from 1988 to 1993. In May, it was reported that Savage had been fired from his roles on ABC's Wonder Years reboot after allegations of inappropriate conduct.
These incidents included verbal outbursts and other actions determined by the network after investigating his conduct. The series moved forward, receiving a season 2 renewal after Savage's departure, and hasn't looked back. However, as part of a new report, more details are emerging about the behavior that led to Savage's termination from The Wonder Years.
The women, who spoke anonymously to THR for fear of retribution to their careers, said that the complaints that started the investigation ranged from verbal harassment to an alleged physical assault of a crew member. One woman said Savage was careful not to show this side in front of actors and executives, instead leaving his inappropriate behavior to “below-the-line employees who don’t have power.” Although the accusations have focused on Savage’s anger and outbursts, one source explained that she felt uneasy about a relationship that Savage had with a much younger female member of the crew.
Savage, married with three children, had lived with the young crew member at one point. Though the woman in question declined to speak to THR, sources say that she was fearful of Savage at times and that he was “extremely controlling of her daily behaviors.” One associate referred to The Wonder Years producer as “manipulative and erratic.” At the same time, another crew member said that Savage belittled her when she tried to protect the young woman. The sources say that this young woman was transformed by her interactions with Savage, no longer the "bubbly" person she had been. Although this relationship was the main reason Savage was reported to Disney HR, there were other examples.
One woman said she befriended Savage and considered him like a brother, recounts Savage pushing her against a wall in a women’s bathroom. She says he put his mouth on hers, very forcefully, and went to reach for the top of her pants. Though she pleaded for him to stop, out of fear of ruining their friendship, he again tried to kiss her and forced his hand on her groin area. The woman said that the incident occurred in December 2021 and that she was no longer working for The Wonder Years. In a voicemail, which the woman shared with THR, Savage tried to apologize. She did not respond.
Savage, who denied some of the incidents in a statement, has been accused of harassment and misconduct before. A costume worker on the original The Wonder Years sued for sexual harassment. A female crew member on the Fox series The Grinder set sued Savage and alleged that he “constantly hurled profanities” at women employees and that he struck her during a costume fitting. Savage denied these claims. And in the latter case, Fox said it found no evidence of wrongdoing. Despite these consistent allegations, the actor had continued to enjoy a busy career behind the camera and directed numerous television series.
Source: THR